Bald felines, often referred to as hairless cats, can indeed be beautiful in their unique way. While they may not have the fur that is characteristic of most cat breeds, they have a striking appearance that can be captivating. The best hairless cats are known for their smooth, wrinkled skin and distinctive features, which can make them stand out. While we call them hairless, many still have fine hair that needs to be trimmed.
Beauty is subjective, and what one person finds beautiful, another may not. People have different preferences over the appearance of animals, including cats. Some individuals may be drawn to the sleek and exotic look of hairless cats, while others may prefer cats with fur. Ultimately, cat beauty goes beyond physical appearance and can be found in its personality, behavior, and the connection it forms with its human companions. Which hairless cats make the best pets? We’ve done the research, and the outcome is clear.
The List: Best Hairless Cats, According to Experts
1. Sphynx
When you think of hairless cats, the Sphynx is the first breed to come to mind for most people and it is number one on most of the lists we found. The Sphynx is popular due to its dog-like loyalty and devotion. According to Pumpkin, “Sphynx cats are friendly, outgoing, and playfully mischievous. This breed is also intelligent, curious, and loves attention.”
“They are affectionate, loyal, curious, and playful,” writes Pet Keen. “Additionally, they get along with other pets, which is why they make great pets. Despite all its charm, this cat requires regular cleaning to remove oil and debris that accumulate under their skin folds.”
If you’re considering a hairless cat, Hepper writes, “No one would blame you if you found the Sphynx and stopped your search there. Just keep in mind that some Sphynx cats have small patches of hair that you will need to shave.”
2. Bambino
The Bambino has a kitten-like appearance with little legs and large ears. But don’t let that fool you. Purina says this cat is “incredibly playful and despite their little legs, they’re super quick!”
“Known to be very affectionate, intelligent, and friendly, they love to be cuddled and curl up on your lap,” adds Crazy Rich Pets. “They travel well and adapt quickly to new environments.”
The Bambino is a cross between the Sphynx and the Munchkin. “They’re tiny cats, with certain ones only weighing in at 5 pounds,” says Hepper. “Some might have patches of hair that you need to shave. Checking the parent’s genetic lineage is the best tool that you have to get a completely hairless variety.”
3. Donskoy
This rare Russian hairless breed gets its hairlessnes from a dominant gene, instead of a recessive genetic mutation. Adopt-A-Pet.com says these cats are “Medium-sized, loyal, loving, affectionate, playful and smart are just a few of the reasons this is a much-loved breed.”
“A unique trait of this breed is their wrinkled appearance, adding an extra charm to their already adorable looks,” according to Kobi Pets. “These cats are easy to maintain, as they require minimal grooming. However, they do need regular skin care to avoid possible sunburn and skin infections.”
Crazy Rich Pets says this is a “head-turning hairless cat breed.” The website adds they are “easy to train and will demand your attention,” so they may not be the best pet for someone who travels a lot.
4. Peterbald
If you’re a sucker for big almond-shaped eyes, this hairless cat, a cross between a Donskoy and an Oriental Shorthair is for you. “Some Peterbald kittens are born with a soft, downy coat which they may or may not shed as they get older,” writes Purina. “One thing to be aware of is the fact they have long webbed front toes that are incredibly nimble, so they can actually hold items and open doors!”
Hepper admits, “The Peterbald is a hard-to-find cat, especially if you want a hairless one. Many Peterbalds have a felt-like coating, and occasionally, you’ll even find one with a full coat. They’re playful and loving, and they make great companions for your home if you can track one down.”
“These hairless cats have a sleek and elegant appearance, with muscular bodies and distinctively shaped heads,” according to Kobi Pets. “Despite their hairlessness, Peterbalds are known for their warm and affectionate personalities, making them great pets for those who want a loyal and attentive companion. These cats are also highly intelligent and playful, so they require plenty of stimulation and interaction to keep them happy and healthy.”
5. Ukrainian Levkoy
The Ukrainian Levkoy is one of the newest hairless cat breeds to hit the market. They’ve only been around since early 2000, according to Hepper. “They have a distinct muscular appearance around their face and inward-facing ears. If you like wrinkles, they have plenty. They’re a bit more laidback than most cat breeds, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be playful from time to time.”
“These hairless cats have distinct, inward-folding ears and a muscular yet slender body,” according to Litter Robot. “Their soft, elastic skin appears quite wrinkled. They are known for their ‘dog-face appearance,’ with a special angular contour of the head and stepped profile. The Ukrainian Levkoy is a very sociable yet laid-back cat. They enjoy the company of their human family members as well as other pets in the home.”
“Ukrainian Levkoy cats are smart, playful, and outgoing once they warm up,” states Crazy Rich Pets. “They get along well with other pets and adapt well to small living spaces.”
6. Elf
This is a fairly new breed and is hard to find. It’s a cross between a Sphynx and the American Curl, hence the unusual ears. It’s not completely hairless and does have a peach fuzz. Be Chewy writes, “Elfs are highly affectionate and friendly with moderate energy levels and a gentle disposition.”
“This breed may look a bit unusual with their big ears and hairless appearance, but they are an affectionate and playful breed that can make great pets,” says Kobi Pets.
Purina adds, “They’re big climbers so you’ll need to provide lots of taller surfaces so they can satisfy this need.”
7. Dwelf
“If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind feline companion, consider the Dwelf,” states Kobi Pets. “This rare breed is a mix of the Sphynx, the American Curl, and the Munchkin, resulting in a small, hairless cat with curled ears and short legs. Despite their unusual appearance, the Dwelf is known for being affectionate, playful, and outgoing. They love spending time with their humans and can make great apartment pets due to their small size and low shedding.”
This tiny, hairless cat originates from the United States. “The name ‘Dwelf’ is derived from the words ‘dwarf’ and ‘elf,’ as a homage to its short stature and large, curled ears,” says Pet Keen. “This cat is playful and said to have a dog-like personality.”
“Dwelfs don’t exceed 4.5 pounds, and they have an extremely unique appearance with their short legs and long bodies,” according to Hepper. “Small, adorable, and affectionate, they’re exactly what many cat owners are looking for!”
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Sources:
- The Spruce Pets
- Chewy
- Purina
- Litter Robot
- Hepper
- Crazy Rich Pets
- Pumpkin Care
- Kobi Pets
- Adopt A Pet
- Pet Keen
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.